Hey why do we need new computers to edit the stuff.
You can just convert the HDV to another codec for ease of editing if they find it to hard to edit the raw.
Dump the files to a watch folder and go to bed or convert the stuff to another codec on the fly as you firewire in would be another option as well.

Make sure you get a fast Blu_Ray burner or you will be waiting hours to burn a disk.
Or you can go the XDCAM Disc way with the XDCAM USB Deck$$$.

I suppose you could even render out a normal 25mbps HDV m2t file and send it back to a mini DV tape for a cheap backup last resort kind of thing in case the blu_Ray disk fails after a few years.

Wags
The EX1 shoots XDCAM HD EX files up to 35mbps VBR, not only HDV and that can only be transfered via USB on the camera or via a card reader. The SxS Express Cards require an Express/34 slot. Now why would you mess with the camera as a playback unit when you can go buy a new computer and continue shooting as you d/l your clips?

Drew
Moderator
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."

"I was born not knowing, and have only had a little time to change that here and there.

HuH...I know it shoots up 35mbps but is still MPEG2 which is very hard to edit hence convert it to another easier 4.2.2 codec just like some do with normal HDV now without any quality loss.

So I am saying shoot it in HQ 35mbps mode, then USB the clips or use the express slot if you have one onto your computer to empty the cards so you can keep on shooting.

Now instead of buying a new computer if you convert the clips that are now on your drive to the another easier to edit codec then you are fine. If you have a encoder that lets you create a watch folder, the encoder will start converting the files as soon as they are dumped to the folder on you hard drive. Once you have done that burn all the raw XDCAM EX files to a Blu_Ray for archiving and edit with the new easy codec.

But if you have lots of money build yourself a super dooper computer that can edit multiply streams of raw 35mbps HQ footage but you don't really have to to get into these cameras.

If you do decide to shoot in normal HDV 25mbps mode you can then use the firewire port and firewire it in like any other HDV camera.

Tell you what....I am seriously scrambling ofr $$$$$$$$$ to do this housing, with external monitor, & SeaRay 2000 LED lights. Probably take me all summer to come up the $$$$$$$$ but that is where my head is at. Crystal clear focus to find the cash for this rig!!

With every generation of a Gates product we endeavor to make meaningful, practical improvements that do not compromise the durability/reliability of the housing. In this regard, we made some changes for the EX1 that may be of interest:

1) We have a new approach for buoyancy (well, new for Gates). We borrowed some ideas from IMAX and employ 4 and 8 oz trim weights that can be added/removed as needed for just the right buoyancy. Remove them as you add lights/monitor/tripod/etc. You can even move them forward/aft for trim, and top/bottom if you desire for changing the center of gravity. It's intended to be very flexible and configurable. This approach will be carried forward with new housings including DEEP RED.

2) The camera tray is vastly improved as well. No more tools required to mount the camera, and the tray locks into place with two rotating latches. Slick and easy.

3) The controls are the best we've made yet -- at your fingertips and easy to use. Are electronic controls still easier to use? You decide....

Momentary Auto Focus was too tight with other controls to get into the repertoire. But the same thing can be accomplished using the A/M focus switch. In fact, the auto focus has a neat 'focus assist' feature. While in AF you can still adjust the manual focus ring to lock onto different part of the image, and the camera will then track that subject. I've tried it on land it seems to work well. I can see using this underwater, particularly for macro.